Planet Princeton Picks, Dec. 26-31

Flags of The Revolution – The Betsy Ross flag was only one of many flags used during the colonial period and Revolutionary War. Roger S. Williams, an expert in the history of flags, will display and interpret the many flags used at the time. 1 p.m. Wyndham Garden Hotel, 1 West Lafayette St., Trenton. Free.

Over Here, Molly Pitcher – “Over Here, Molly Pitcher” is a dramatic presentation highlighting the lives of women during the American Revolution. Molly reminisces about the days when she accompanied her husband through summer battles to winter encampments from Valley Forge to Monmouth to Morristown. She provides a glimpse into the role of women in the fight for our Independence. Presented by Stacy Roth. 2 p.m. Masonic Temple Library, 100 Barrack St., Trenton. Free.

Ned Hector – Discover the little known but very important part played by African Americans in the Revolution. Meet Ned Hector, a free African American Colonial soldier, respected patriot and a true hero of our fight for freedom and independence . Noah Lewis portrays Ned Hector as a soldier in the integrated army of the American Revolution. 4 p.m., Masonic Temple Library, 100 Barrack St., Trenton. Free.

Revolutionary Pub Crawl – The tavern in Colonial America was not only a lodging place for travelers. It was a place where people went to enjoy a drink, get the latest news and discuss politics and religion. It was also a place where history was made. Years after the Revolutionary War, the French Arms Tavern in Trenton served as the capitol of the United States, and meeting place of the Congress of the Confederation from November 1 to December 24, 1784. Raise a glass to these social hubs of the past, the role they played in shaping our country’s history and their influence on how we socialize today. Visit 4 great Trenton pubs:Checkers (14 South Warren St.), Settimo Cielo (17 East Front St.), Joe’s Mill Hill Saloon (300 South Broad Street) and end at Trenton Social (449 South Broad St). 5 p.m. Starting location Checkers, 14 South Warren St. 21+,valid photo ID required. Shuttle Service will be provided.

Colonial Ball – Step back in time to a stately ballroom of ladies and gentlemen dressed in the finery of the time. Colonial dances will be taught and lead by Neil V. De Marino, colonial dance master, professional dancer of Baroque and 18th century dances, and faculty member of Art of Motion, a professional studio school. Music will be provided by Anne & Ridley Enslow of “Rules of Civility” on the fiddle and hammered dulcimer. Light refreshments will be served. Ladies are encouraged to wear long skirts so as to better work with the dance moves. 7 to 10 p.m. Wyndham Garden Hotel, 1 West Lafayette St., Trenton. Admission $17.76 per person for advanced tickets. Reservations Required. Reserve at (609) 396-1776.

“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” – The Garden Theater on Nassau Street in downtown Princeton shows the classic as part of its family events series. 10:30 a.m. Tickets $4.

Taco Truck Grand Opening Benefit for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen – The Taco Truck celebrates its grand opening with a pay-what-you’d-like day. All proceeds will go to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. The new Taco Truck restaurant is located at the Princeton Shopping Center at the location where the Learning Express used to be located.

Battles of Trenton Reenactments – In the early hours of Christmas Day, the rebel forces, dressed in rags and weary from their night march after The Crossing, converged on Trenton and dealt an unexpected and crippling blow to the British and Hessian forces. Follow the action from the symbolic first cannon site of the Battle Monument, down Warren St, to the final skirmish in Mill Hill Park. First battle reenactment starts at 11 a.m. at the Battle Monument, corner of N. Broad & Warren streets, Trenton. Second battle starts at 3 p.m. at Mill Hill Park. The Re-enactors begin to muster at the Barracks (100 Barracks St.), before making their way up to the battle at 11 a.m. At 3 p.m., the action commences at East State St. and heads to Mill Hill Park for the second Battle, which pits the American forces against General Cornwallis and his numerous attempts to take the Assunpink Creek Bridge. After slipping away, Washington’s troops were able to head north to Princeton, sealing the fate of the 10 Crucial Days. Free.

Patriots Week Planetarium Shows – Celebrate Patriot’s Week with a visit to the New Jersey State Museum’s state-of-the-art Planetarium. Our shows will include a live demonstration of the sky set to December 25, 1776. Learn about the constellations and planets that occupied the sky on the stormy evening when George Washington crossed the Delaware. Dec. 27 and Dec. 28 at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. 3 p.m. Dec. 29, 30 and 31, 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. NJ State Museum, 205 W. State St., Trenton. $7 adults, $5 children 12 and under.

Tuckers Tales Puppet Theatre presents “The Trouble with Trenton” or “How the Battle of Trenton was Won” – A “mini” historical look at an amazing piece of history presented with marionettes & rod puppets – and lots of help from the audience! Watch the battle unfold before your eyes, and see the action as it has never been seen before. Show includes live music, large puppets and props, and plenty of “revolting” action. Noon and 1 p.m., Warren St. Plaza, intersection of North Warren Street and West Hanover Street, Trenton. Free.

Hogmanay Celebration – Hogmanay is a celebration of the new year in Scotland, celebrated at the Trent House because of William Trent’s Scottish heritage. Traditionally, friends and neighbors cross the threshold and receive food and drink, and good luck, too. At the Trent House, guests may participate in carol singing, led by a special ensemble of the Trenton Capital Singers. Also featured will be Patty Downey on the bagpipes. Complimentary hot mulled cider and cookies. 12:30 p.m., William Trent House, 15 Market St., Trenton. No reservations required, donations accepted.

Screening of “Cars” and “Cars 2” – Screening of “Cars” at 1 p.m. and “Cars 2” at 3 p.m. in the community room at the Princeton Public Library. Free.

Capital Singers of Trenton in Concert – Musical program for all ages will include songs of the American Revolution as well as patriotic and seasonal favorites. Listen to the inspiring words of our founding fathers. The capital singers was organized in 2006 as a semi professional mixed chorus. Their artistic Director and conductor is Trentonian Richard Loatman. 3 p.m., Masonic Temple Hall.

Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theatre Presents “Punch and Judy” – View the wild antics of the famous Punch and his puppet cohorts. This puppet presentation includes live music and mayhem certain to delight children. Founded in 1981 the Tucker’s Tales puppet Theater has performed at festivals, fairs, theatres and schools around the country. 4 p.m., Masonic Temple Hall, 100 Barrack St., Trenton.

Dinner with George Washington and Martha Washington – Bring the family and listen as George Washington provides you with a first-hand view of the Revolutionary War as it happened in Trenton. A Revolutionary-inspired dinner will also be served. From 5 p.m. Trenton Social, 449 South Broad St., Trenton. Make reservations online at eventbrite.com. No admission fee. Dinner purchase required. Seating is limited. Reservations can also be made by calling 609-393-8998.

Bus Tour of Washington’s Crossing – Tour Guide Ralph Siegel takes you on the Revolutionary road to Washington Crossing, the site of the famed Christmas Crossing. The tour will include both the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides of the park, where the historic buildings of Taylorsville and natural geography of the Delaware River set the scene for the start of the 10 Crucial Days. Dress appropriately for walking and weather. 9 a.m. until noon. Meet at Wyyndham Garden Hotel. 1 W. Lafayette St. Tickets $20 online, seating limited.

Self Defense Workshop – Sponsored by Princeton Academy of Martial Arts, the West Windsor Police, and Womanspace. A West Windsor Officer will be on hand to answer your police related questions. Learn the fundamentals of self-defense in this life saving 2 hour workshop. Open to anyone Male or Female 14 years of age or older. Taught by experienced instructors at the Princeton Academy of Martial Arts. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 51 Everett Dr, Ste A-50,Princeton Junction. Suggested Donation $20 with 100% of proceeds going to Womanspace.

Tuesday, December 30

Walking Tour: Battles of Trenton – Ralph Siegel of Trenton Battlefield Tours leads this 10-block interpretive walk that narrates the dramatic minute-by-minute events of the Battles of Trenton. Broad and Warren turn into King and Queen streets as you walk in the footsteps of Col. Johnny Stark, Gen. Hugh Mercer and Lt. Alexander Hamilton. Observe Mill Hill from Washington’s perspective as you hear the story of his daring maneuvers and strategic advance. Come early at 9 a.m. for optional Q&A. 10a.m. Embark from E.Front Cafe, 13 E. Front St., Trenton. Free (limited to 100 people).

Hogmanay Bonfire at the David Brearley House – Celebrate the coming New Year with this Scottish tradition. Toss all of last year’s bad memories into the fire. Free refreshments. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Park in the 2000 Lenox Drive parking lot and take the shuttle starting at 5 p.m., or walk the 1/4 mile trail. Captain Paul will be selling refreshments. Free.